Legalising Same-Sex Marriage Could Ease Anxiety Issues, Survey Says

Even though the federal government has argued against same-sex marriages in the Supreme Court, a recent survey done by The Times Group found that their legalisation would lessen LGBTQIA youth anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

A team made up of a psychologist, researcher, and academics conducted the survey earlier this month to evaluate the effects of legalising same-gender marriage on India's societal and mental health.

A survey finds legalising same-sex marriage could help ease anxieties among LGBTQIA+ youth

According to the preliminary results, which were made public on Sunday, the majority of respondents would support legislation that would grant same-sex unions the right to marriage equality because it would improve the social, legal, and mental health outcomes for LGBTQIA community members and their families.

The survey also reveals a strong link between the rule of law and policy, on the one hand, and the psychological, social, and emotional well-being of people and society, on the other. 5,825 people from 27 states participated in the survey, which was conducted using an English-language online questionnaire. Participants ranged in age from under 18 to over 60. 37% of them voluntarily identified as LGBTQIA+.

The preliminary findings show that, according to 95% of respondents, legalising marriage for LGBTQIA+ people would be a good thing because it would improve their well-being, legal safety, and access to legal rights.

87 percent of respondents agreed that decriminalising Section 377 also had a positive impact

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A whopping 87% of respondents agreed that the Supreme Court of India's decriminalisation of homosexuality under Section 377 in 2018 had a positive impact on the mental health of sexual minorities by lowering stigma, boosting support and acceptance, and enhancing a sense of belonging.

They expressed hope that the legalisation of same-sex unions would have a similar favourable impact on the mental health of such individuals and their families in India. "The fear of violence, discrimination, and rejection can be a constant source of stress and anxiety," one participant said. By establishing a more solid and secure legal framework for relationships, same-sex marriage legalisation can lessen this stress.

Only 3% of those polled expressed opposition to same-sex marriage, and those respondents cited cultural, religious, and natural reasons such as those relating to reproduction and nature as their objections. Additionally, some survey respondents asserted that homosexuality was a "western concept".

Additionally, 91% thought that the legalisation of these unions would lessen youth mental anguish. "Acceptance and sense of belonging were highlighted in the survey findings as pertinent parameters of individual and societal well-being," according to the survey report.

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The same-sex marriage case is being heard in court currently.

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